The Easter and Royal Wedding strike threat has been lifted by BA cabin crew union Unite. Last month the crew voted in favour of strike action and it was widely believed it would be held over the holiday period, however in a joint statement BA and Unite said they accepted it would ‘severely undermine any attempt at a genuine settlement’.

BA bosses have granted the union a 28-day extension to announce action while negotiations between the two sides continue. Unite’s new general secretary Len McClusky and BA’s new CEO Keith Williams said in the statement that they are “committed to seeking an honourable and fair settlement to the long running dispute.”

“Both men accept that a lasting peace is essential for the well-being of all cabin crew and for the benefit of British Airways’ customers,” it added.

The union said any peace deal must include reinstating staff travel, a binding independent review of disciplinary procedures and measures to address concerns on earnings and lifestyle associated with the established changes in onboard crew numbers and the introduction of “Mixed Fleet”.